Guardians of the Galaxy coaster at Epcot is nearly ready to open – Take a look inside

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, will open soon at Epcot as the park’s first ever roller coaster. Disney teased a special announcement for the attraction and has given some early looks at the queue. This coaster will be one of the largest indoor coasters ever built. And, it will be the first major new Marvel presence at Walt Disney World. Thanks to these photos by Disney and Bioreconstruct on Twitter, we can get a look at this soon-to-be new attraction.

Star Blaster ship in front of Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
Photo by Bioreconstruct on Twitter.

UPDATE – 04/8/22 10:13 a.m. EST: Walt Disney World has released the official opening date of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open this year. What we know is that this will tie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe collection of “The Guardians of the Galaxy” characters with a history of Epcot. Xandarians, from the planet Xandar, have set-up an Other-World Showcase pavilion. Here, Earth-beings can learn about Xandar, it’s history and people, and perhaps meet up with the Guardians of the Galaxy.


Imagineer Interview Reveals New Details For Epcot's Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster.

We interviewed a Walt Disney Imagineer to get insight on this major Epcot project.


Galaxarium in Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
Photo by Walt Disney World.

Disney has also given a first-look in the queue, where guests will see this galaxarium. Unlike planetariums that we are used too, this galaxarium can show us unique views of star systems, planets and galaxies all over the known universe.


Matthew Serrano was one of a select few to be able to walk around the first portion of the queue. His video helps give a sense of scale. And, it lets you hear the first bit of background music that will play in the queue, (very peaceful and akin to space documentaries).


Close-up on front entrance for GOTG coaster.
Photo by Bioreconstruct on Twitter.

This view, seen from the monorail as it goes through Epcot, shows us how close the exterior of this attraction is to completion. The Star Blaster spaceship is ready to be the ride icon leading guests towards a new adventure. The covered area behind the Star Blaster is where Lightning Lane and the standby line are located. Perhaps when this attraction first opens we will also see the usage of a virtual queue as well.


Old Universe of Energy facade at Epcot.
Photo by Tharin White.

In comparison, here is what the previous entrance looked like when it was Ellen’s Energy Adventure at the Universe of Energy pavilion. As you can see, the previous area, which featured the flowers, signage and water, is now the landing pad for the Star Blaster spaceship.


Imagineer Zach Riddley gave some additional behind-the-scenes looks at the load area of this roller coaster. As you can tell, the architecture style changes. The first half of the queue, which features the Wonders of Xandar, is sleek and modern. But the second half, specifically the load area, is more grungy and worn-down.

Original pre-show concept art for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
Disney/Marvel concept art.

Older concept art for this attraction showcased what we believe to be a pre-show with Rocket and Groot. While this room hasn’t show up in recent concept art reveals, it doesn’t mean it won’t still happen. Perhaps the storyline is that you are in the Wonders of Xandar pavilion to learn about the planet. But suddenly the Guardians of the Galaxy show up and need your help. With Xandarian Star Blasters, and guests on the speciality ride vehicles, perhaps the Guardians need us to help make a large-scale distraction while they save the day.

This could explain why we “leave” the Wonders of Xandar and go to this grungier place. And it may be part of the reason for the reverse launch of this coaster.


Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind attraction poster.

This coaster will be big, very big. By volume, four Spaceship Earths would fit inside the attraction’s massive new show building. Glenn Close reprises her role from “Guardians of the Galaxy” as Nova Prime, the leader of Xandar and commander of the Nova Corps. Walt Disney Imagineers were recently on-set for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” to film with the actors for this new attraction. And, it will be opening May 27, 2022!


What are you most excited about for this new coaster? Is it the recognizable characters? Or, the Disney-first backwards launch element? Perhaps the storyline and the hidden details that may tie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and past Epcot history?

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3 Comments

  1. Thanks for the update Tharin
    I was wondering what your opinion is on the thrill level of this attraction
    I know Disney has billed it as family friendly but where does it stand in comparison to other coasters in Orlando?
    Is it similar to Rock and Roller Coaster or is it more akin to Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain?
    Personally I’m getting Gringots vibes since there are no animatronics and the ride is screen based
    As far as what I’m looking for, I’m taking a nostalgic look at the attraction and will be searching for homages and shout outs to the former attraction housed in this same area Ellen’s Universe of Energy
    (The picture in the article brought a small tear to my eye)

    1. I think this will be equivalent to Space Mountain for the majority of the ride, but will defintely have a huge thrill for that initial reverse launch. It will ride and feel like The Mummy at Universal Studios Florida, in the essence of the vehicle movements, show elements and more. But, I don’t expect this to be a super thrilling mega-coaster. There are no inversions, that we are aware of.